Zai Lab Ltd. Expands Cancer Treatment Access in China with NRDL Inclusion of AUGTYRO®

Zai Lab Expands Patient Access to Innovative Cancer Treatments in China

Zai Lab Limited, a prominent biopharmaceutical company, announces the inclusion of several of its therapeutic products in the 2024 National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) issued by China's National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA). This development represents a significant step forward in improving healthcare access for patients in China, particularly in the realm of cancer treatment. Among the newly included therapies is AUGTYRO® (repotrectinib), which is now approved for adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This addition is crucial, as it enhances access to a treatment that has shown promising efficacy in a patient population that often faces limited options.

The inclusion of AUGTYRO® is particularly important given the alarming statistics surrounding lung cancer in China. In 2022, the country reported over one million new lung cancer cases, with NSCLC accounting for approximately 85% of these diagnoses. The urgency for effective treatment options is underscored by the fact that ROS1 rearrangements occur in about 2% of advanced NSCLC patients, highlighting a substantial unmet medical need. Zai Lab's Chief Commercial Officer, Andrew Zhu, expresses confidence in the upcoming launch of AUGTYRO by the end of 2024, emphasizing the drug's potential to improve treatment durability for patients afflicted with ROS1+ NSCLC.

In addition to AUGTYRO®, Zai Lab's other products also receive favorable updates. NUZYRA® (omadacycline) has had its intravenous formulation renewed for adults suffering from community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) and acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI). Furthermore, QINLOCK® (ripretinib) continues to be available for patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) who have previously been treated with three or more kinase inhibitors. With these renewals, Zai Lab now has six products included in the NRDL, reflecting its commitment to improving patient access to innovative therapies across China.

Zai Lab's strategic focus on addressing the significant healthcare challenges in China underscores its dedication to enhancing patient lives through innovative medicines. By expanding access to crucial therapies like AUGTYRO®, NUZYRA®, and QINLOCK®, the company positions itself at the forefront of the fight against serious health conditions, particularly lung cancer and bacterial infections. This initiative not only highlights Zai Lab's growth but also its role in reshaping the treatment landscape for patients in need.